Leisure facilities face temporary closures due to soaring costs

Sports and leisure facilities in Kirklees, West Yorkshire, will be temporarily closed due to the cost of living crisis.

Batley Baths and Recreation Centre, Deighton Sports Arena and the swimming pool at Colne Valley Leisure Centre will shut on 16 December.

They are operated by Kirklees Active Leisure (KAL), which says it has been under “considerable financial strain” since the pandemic.

The charitable social enterprise adds that a review into the closures will take place in March 2023.

KAL explains: “The huge recent, ongoing, increases in energy costs, as well as associated cost increases in other supplies and services, have further made KAL’s financial position extremely challenging.

“While KAL has already implemented a range of cost saving measures over recent years, which will continue, KAL’s expenditure can only be reduced significantly by temporary reductions in the number of facilities operated.

“KAL will continue to carefully review the financial challenge it faces, making further changes as required to try to ensure as many facilities as possible can continue to operate.

“KAL fully appreciates the decision will be very disappointing for KAL staff and our customers.”